Chapter 433:

Glenda’s complexion turned ghostly pale. As the bodyguard escorted her to Jayden, she could barely stand. Seeing her distress, Jayden, seated in his wheelchair, looked at her curiously and asked, “What do you have to say?”

Inside, Glenda was terrified, but the absence of cameras in the ward gave her a semblance of courage. She straightened her back defiantly and declared, “I have nothing to say to you. You’re holding me here against my will. Let me go, or I’ll call the police.”

Jayden responded in surprisingly good spirits. “Funny, I was about to call the police myself. Who do you think they’ll believe?”

Glenda’s eyes widened. “Why are you calling the police?”

Jayden stroked his chin, a sly smile playing on his lips. “You’re a murder suspect. Why wouldn’t I?”

Between clenched teeth, Glenda retorted, “You’re just making accusations. Do you have any proof? Can you prove I killed anyone?”

Jayden nodded confidently. “Yes, I have proof. Footage of you removing Dorothy’s oxygen mask was sent directly to my computer. I can turn you over to the police at any time.”

Shocked, Glenda stammered, “How… how could you?”

Jayden, mimicking Elyse’s tone, said innocently, “If you don’t believe me, feel free to call the police.”

A shiver ran down Glenda’s spine. Something about Jayden’s tone seemed utterly mysterious.

He grabbed a pen, briefly scanned a document, and said, “You’re staying at my place tonight. If Dorothy dies, you could face life in prison.”

Overwhelmed, Glenda collapsed to the floor. Clutching her phone, she wondered if Jayden truly had evidence. She wanted to verify it, but fear held her back. She remained on the floor, trembling.

Jayden regarded Glenda with disdain. He pressed the call button to summon Driscoll, instructing him, “Take her to the basement. Keep me updated on Dorothy.”

Driscoll nodded, grabbed Glenda, and hauled her from the room. Terrified, Glenda cried, “You can’t do this to me! I’m Elyse’s aunt! Elyse Lloyd! Come and save me! Your husband is trying to kill me!”

Driscoll, visibly annoyed, covered Glenda’s mouth. Elyse had an important competition the next day and had gone to bed early. He wouldn’t let Glenda disturb her.

Once Glenda was gone, Jayden found some peace. He collected his documents and resumed his work, patiently awaiting news about Dorothy. Four hours later, he learned Dorothy had been rescued and returned to her ward.

Jayden stared at his phone, lost in thought. His suspicions were correct—Dorothy knew something that had prompted Lanny and Glenda to try silencing her. But what?

After a moment, Jayden rubbed his tired eyes and went to his room to rest.

Early the next morning, Elyse awoke to find Jayden asleep. She quietly left the house and went to the competition venue.

She arrived early, but not the earliest. Mariana sat by the entrance, playing her violin.

Elyse approached, offered Mariana the breakfast she’d bought, and watched her play. Mariana had accused Rebekah of cheating, though she had no proof, and Rebekah had defeated her in the previous competition.

Mariana glanced at Elyse and recognized her. “Do you know Rebekah?” she asked.

Surprised, Elyse nodded. “I’ve met her. Why do you ask?”

Hand on hip, Mariana laughed boldly. “I’ve seen your scores. You’re much better than Rebekah, but that woman is trouble. She’ll come after you.”

Elyse was taken aback. “How do you know? Do you have any information?”

Mariana shook her head. “I don’t know her exact plans. It’s just a gut feeling.”

Mariana’s smile was so bright that Elyse was speechless.

About thirty minutes later, contestants began to arrive, filling the previously calm atmosphere with tension. Fiona appeared, looking exhausted, with dark circles under her eyes. Elyse asked, “Didn’t you get enough rest?”

Fiona shook her head, frustration evident. She had waited for a man until midnight, but he never came. She felt foolish.

(The ellipses at the end are unnecessary unless more text follows.)